Elijah Solanus Mueller

Eli Mueller passed away peacefully at home on December 8, 2015 – the great feast of the Immaculate Conception – 109 days after his birth on August 21, 2015. He is survived by his parents, Wayne and Heidi, and his siblings, Ben (14), Owen (12), Josh (9) and Lauren (7). He is also survived by his fraternal grandparents, Clarence and Mary Jo Mueller of Traverse City, MI and his maternal grandparents, James and Martha Tanis of Whitehall, MI. He is also survived by his aunts, uncles, and cousins – Mark and Diane, (Brad and Paul Mueller) of Canton, MI; Mike and Molly (Jack) of Rochester Hills, MI; and James and Kim (Zack and Jacob) of Lakeview, MI.
From our human perspective, the death of Eli is difficult to understand. After all of the tests, toils of pregnancy, surgeries, stress, and anxiety, it seems as if we end up with no tangible reward. The anticipation and joy of a new child ends abruptly with heartache and tears. All the prayers of friends and family did not appear to produce the healing result that was desired. The human perspective, though, is always limited.
Consider the perspective of God. When God gazes upon this particular journey, He is filled with joy. God sees that the love of a husband and wife has helped bring forth another life and soul. God views the intense love of a mother who is willing to sacrifice deeply for her child and He smiles. God observes a great cloud of prayers arising in our world and knows that love is flowing in our communities. God is thrilled to have a soul like Eli join Him in the great and eternal feast of heaven.
Our brief earthly journey with Eli has been and will continue to be a tremendous source of joy. Thanks be to God.
A special thanks to Fr. Lewis Eberhart for administering the beautiful sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist to Eli on August 22nd and August 23rd. These were profound moments for Elijah and his family. A special thanks to Fr. Greg McCallum for his wonderful pastoral support. A special thanks to Dr. Tim Madion, who has accompanied us along this journey and many others. A special thanks to Dr. Kim Hegewald and to all of the incredible staff at Mott Children's Hospital for their efforts and skills, but most importantly, their friendships and their loving care of our entire family.
The Mueller family greatly appreciates the generous and overwhelming outreach of family and friends. This outpouring of love is a pure sign that the body of Christ is active and thriving in our region and world.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, December 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at St. Patrick Church in Traverse City. Visitation will take place at St. Patrick Church on Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, including a vigil service at 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers and for those that wish to express their condolences, please consider a memorial contribution to the St. Francis High School Pro-Life Fund. The youth of our nation are inspiringly pro-life, so the future is exciting.
Please feel free to share you thoughts and memories with Elijah's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
The brief life and death of Eli has great purpose and meaning, even if we struggle to understand. Eli's journey was filled with true miracles and this must not be forgotten. Perhaps one way we can all grow from this experience is to explore the beautiful lives of Fr. Solanus Casey from Detroit, Blessed Margaret of Castello (patron saint of the crippled and unwanted), and St. Gianna Beretta Molla (a modern day patron saint of mothers). Along with Blessed Mary, the Mother of God, these three people have inspired the Mueller family during their journey with Eli.